Venezuela deny using United defeat to bury bad news

The Vice-President of Venezuela has denied accusations that he used Manchester United's defeat to Real Madrid to 'bury bad news'. Critics have suggested late President Hugo Chavez has been dead for weeks.

'He passed away back in January, but they have waited until now to tell us' one member of the opposition claimed. 'What better way to try and hide the news than when the when world's attention is on a dodgy refereeing decision in Salford.'

There is now real concern of violence and instability following the red card issued to Manchester United's Nani, which it is believed to be the reason for the announcement at this time.

With him being the most visible, vocal and controversial of leaders known to the world, Sir Alex Ferguson has said is 'appalled' at Venezuela's attempt to hijack his moment in the spot light. 'It's a disgraceful decision by the officials to announce his death when the world should be mourning our exit from the champions league' the angry Scotsman told a press conference. 'And with Ronaldo and Mourinio making themselves look extra pretty for their return to England, the Venezuelan authorities have acted in real poor taste.'

However the Venezuelan Vice-President has denied the claims, saying he told the world as soon as possible. 'President Chavez died in the early part of this year, but a few technical issues meant we had to wait to announce it' he said defiantly. 'OK, we admit we could have mentioned it at half time, but not even an unstable country with full military backing would be brave enough to interrupt Roy Keane'

Jose Mourinho was the first world leader to send his condolences to the country that was in a state of shock at having to rely on Arsenal to be represented in the next round of the champions league. 'I hope England will get through this difficult time, but unfortunately they will have to do it without me' he told reporters as he boarded a Venezuelan Airways plane. 'I now have a bigger job to do'.